Preserving Key West's Soul: Nick Green on the Old Island Restoration Foundation, the Oldest House, and Iconic Home Tours

Preserving Key West's Soul: Nick Green on the Old Island Restoration Foundation, the Oldest House, and Iconic Home Tours Host Michele O'Connor welcomes listeners to the Fun in Key West podcast and interviews Nick Green, executive director of the Old Island Restoration Foundation (OIRF), a nonprofit founded in 1960 to preserve Key West's historic wooden district, architecture, culture, and history. Nick shares his background in international development and philanthropy, how he and his wife fell in love with Key West, and what drew him to preservation work, including an effort to pursue UNESCO Creative City recognition. He explains OIRF's role operating the Oldest House Museum & Gardens since 1974, its community programs for children, and events such as the Key West Home Tour and conch shell blowing contest rooted in the island's wrecking industry history. The episode also covers planned upgrades, accessibility, staffing and volunteers, funding through admissions, memberships, donations, and venue rentals, and Nick's favorite local spots. 00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West 01:28 Meet Nick Green 04:21 Nick's Global Background 06:51 Falling for Key West History 09:15 UNESCO and Museum Realities 11:21 What OIRF Does 11:34 Origins in 1960 13:45 Oldest House Becomes Mission 16:10 Programs and Signature Events 17:22 Oldest House Visitor Tips 19:46 Captain's Family and House Move 20:55 Cookhouse and Climate Design 22:24 Upgrades and Restoration Plans 25:01 Accessibility and Small Team 26:46 Funding and Home Tours 27:32 How the Tours Work 29:24 Schedule Pricing and Upgrades 31:12 Choosing Homes and Volunteers 33:05 Conch Shell Contest Origins 36:28 Why Preservation Matters 38:27 Ways to Support OIRF 41:28 Local Favorites QandA 44:00 Events Rentals and Admissions 46:52 Final Thanks and Wrap Up 49:41 Host Closing Message https://oirf.org/ www.funinkeywest.com